HAMPTON, Va. (June 13, 2018) — Hampton University’s Strength and Conditioning and Personal Training Programs have been recognized as an approved National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP). Through these two programs, housed in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in Hampton University’s School of Liberal Arts and Education, students will be offered industry-leading certifications, career development services, and continuing education opportunities.

“To gain these recognitions, showcase the extraordinary efforts put forth from students and faculty that strive each day to represent Hampton University with the character and strength that our founder built this university on,” said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey. “These recognitions are going to bring many opportunities in advancing the education of the young generations to come. I couldn’t be more proud of this department.”

NSCA is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA ERP recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications. Hampton University is one of three HBCU’s that has the Strength Coach endorsement and the only HBCU that has both Personal Training and Certified Strength and Conditioning endorsements.

“Hampton University is now one of the top programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country in regards to personal training and strength and conditioning,” said Dr. Rodney Gaines, Assistant Professor in the Hampton University’s Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. “Our Department of HPER in the School of Education is one of the only schools in the state that has coursework that helps students to become certified in personal training and/or strength and conditioning. We are the only HBCU that has both that are up to date, and with pre-physical therapy preparation, our students are very competitive nationally with these new NSCA ERP recognitions."

ERP status for these students include a host of exclusive benefits including:

- Exam discounts,

- NSCA Conference discount,

- Exam preparation discounts, and a

- Network of like-minded professionals for students launching their careers in the strength and conditioning profession.

Hampton University students in the field of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Kinesiology need to obtain a certification on top of their degree. With the NSCA ERP recognition, faculty can better prepare students to graduate and pass certification exams so the students can acquire employment.